Mr Flugge is recognised nationally and internationally as a key leader in the Australian grains industry for contributions to market reform based on knowledge of research and development.

By stimulating research into objective testing of cereal quality and development of cultivars to meet market requirements, Mr Flugge has introduced scientific rigour into the cereals industry and increased grower income.

He has led the cereals industry from a production-based to a market-driven one and the Australian Wheat Board from a Statutory Authority to a publicly-listed company with capital of over $1.2 billion and turnover from grain sales of over $3 billion.